KATHMANDU, Nov 30: The Election Commission (EC) has annulled the decision of Sajha chief Dolindra Prasad Sharma to re-appoint an officer at a time when the election code of conduct has been enforced. According to the contract letter issued by Sharma on November 8, the tenure of Ratna Jyoti Hamal of Rolpa district was extended for six months effective from October 28. 

Sharma, who was sacked by the Ministry of Education on charge of irregularities in September, resumed his office on November 8 after the Supreme Court on October 31 issued a stay order against the ministry's decision.  A meeting of the Election Code of Conduct Central Monitoring Committee held on November 21 had directed the Election Commission to scrap the decision of Sajha chief regarding Hamal's re-appointment, according to sources at the EC. 

Sharma had also appointed Hamal as the chief of administration of Sajha Prakashan on November 8 at the expense of the senior-most staff Hom Nath Bhattarai. 

Hamal is the daughter of Nepali Congress leader Khagendra Prakash Hamal, who recently contested for the provincial assembly seat from Rolpa B. She is also the wife of Manoj Mani Acharya, NC's candidate for proportional representation from Province 6. 

The staffers of Sajha Prakashan had submitted an appeal to the Sajha chief on November 10 to revoke the decision.

 
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